Greetings from Louisiana!

(Clockwise, from bottom, left) - The "Saline Swamp" so named, as it lies on Avery Island atop a large salt reserve. ::: With all of the incredible cuisine around here, cajuns get their thrills eating simple shaved ice and syrup. ::: This is the last known photograph of this poor porker before he was made into a spiral ham, at the Point Pleasant Hunting and Fishing Lodge, on Rte. 82, near the Texas border. ::: A giant mask (7' tall) used in Mardi Gras parades. ::: A levee between crawfish ponds. ::: A cemetary, where everyone is buried above ground. ::: The view of "Nawlins" from the twin spans crossing the Mississippi.

But, Could Mark Live Here? This is a fun place! You've got great food, a rich variety of people - a really rich variety of people and a festive atmosphere. These people know how to party. When the holidays are through, they keep right on kicking for another couple of months until Mardi Gras. Everywhere you go this time of year, you see the purple, green and gold decorations. Admittedly, I've only been in the southern part of the state, which is slightly different from the north. "You could just draw a border along I-10 and make two states out of it," more than one cajun told me. It has heritage, diversity, great food and plenty of water. If I can just find some mountains...

The Louisiana photo album.

ARTICLES

Coming to Life in New OrleansTUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1999, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANABaccus, Zulu, Rex, Cleopatra... When the Mardi Gras parades start rolling through New Orleans, nobody asks where the names came from - they want to know; "who painted these beautiful floats?"

The Spice of Life WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1999, AVERY ISLAND, LOUISIANA She checked that bottle of hot sauce before it went on your table, but there's more to her job than the nine to five.

Kissing the Blues WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1999,
LOREAUVILLE VILLAGE, LOUISIANAHow can this little freshwater crustacean be so much fun, so delicious and so gawdarned lucky? Has life got you singing the blues? Find out how to kiss them goodbye!